Odesse saw him, her mouth falling open. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision, and whispered under her breath, "He's really the one... oh no, what do I do?"
Valex continued riding the horse, holding her firmly with one hand at her waist. At first, she hadn't realized the closeness, but now her cheeks flushed violently. Her heart pounded uncontrollably, and she wondered, Why is my heart beating so fast?
Valex's low voice cut through her thoughts. "Why did you leave the palace?"
"I... I wanted to see everywhere," she stammered.
"Did you ask permission?" he pressed, his tone sharp.
Odesse shook her head. "I didn't... I'm so sorry."
Valex's eyes narrowed slightly. "You don't know what you do to me."
Odesse blinked, confused.
"Then tell me," he continued, "why were those men chasing you?"
She scratched the back of her neck nervously. "Well... I saw some food and a man called me to eat. I ate, and when I tried to leave, he demanded money. I told him I didn't have any, and he accused me of being a thief. Then some men came out and began chasing me. If it wasn't for you..." Her voice trembled as tears threatened to fall.
Valex looked down at her, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.
"I was really scared," she continued, wiping a tear. "And when I thought you were a kidnapper... I started talking nonsense. I'm sorry."
Valex said nothing, but his arm remained firmly around her waist, both protective and commanding.
"You shouldn't go out without permission," he finally said, his voice low and intense. "Not while you have my mark."
Odesse muttered under her breath, pouting. "I almost got butchered by some crazy men, and here he's only worried about his mark."
Valex smirked and shifted, pressing her closer against his body. Heat surged through her, and her cheeks burned.
Before she could gather her thoughts, the palace appeared ahead, but it wasn't the route she had taken earlier. Confused, she glanced at Valex. His expression was far from pleasant.
Kael and two men appeared by the side, approaching the horse.
"Master, we've been looking for you. Where did you go?" Kael asked.
"They've arrived?" Valex asked simply.
Kael nodded, then dismounted. He and the two men began walking into the palace, Valex following.
Odesse sat on the horse, still dazed, when a familiar voice called, "Odesse..."
She turned to see Eryx rushing toward her. "What are you doing on Master Valex's horse?" he asked, helping her down.
"It's a long story," Odesse replied. "I'll tell you as we walk."
Eryx took the horse by the reins, and they walked back to the stables. As they went, Odesse explained, "He removed the cloth, and I realized... it was Master Valex."
Eryx laughed heartily.
"What's so funny?" Odesse asked, frowning.
"Why would you eat without paying?" he chuckled.
"I didn't know..." she said, embarrassed.
"You could have waited for me," he added, smiling as he guided the horse into its stall.
Odesse crossed her arms. "Hmph. Yeah, right."
"By the way," Odesse said casually, "why was Master Valex's face covered?"
Eryx smirked. "When he goes on patrol, he likes to cover his face. He catches lawbreakers in the act if they see his face, they might all pretend they didn't do anything."
"Hmm, that makes sense," Odesse said thoughtfully. "So... where were you this morning?"
Back in the palace, Valex entered the parlour, his eyes narrowing at the disturbing faces before him. Malrik and the elders rose as he walked toward them.
"Brother, how have you been?" Malrik asked, his tone falsely warm.
"Quit with that fake nonsense," Valex replied coldly as he sat. "What do you want?"
Malrik's expression shifted. "Hmmm." He sat with the elders. "We have come for the girl, but we do not come for war."
Valex smirked. "And why should I give her to you?"
Malrik's eyes were steady. "Because she belongs to my pack, not yours."
Valex leaned back. "But she has my mark, which makes her mine."
An elder shook his head. "A human cannot have the mark, Master Valex. You know it's impossible."
"I know," Valex said lightly, "but that doesn't mean I'm giving her to you."
Malrik's voice remained calm. "We did not come here to fight, Valex."
"And I never wanted you here," Valex said bluntly.
"Where is the girl?" Malrik asked.
"You do not need to know," Valex replied.
Malrik smiled slyly. "Have you both mated?"
"Who are you to ask such a question in my palace?" Valex's voice was sharp.
"You haven't," Malrik said, leaning back. "So that means she's probably just a servant here."
The elders exchanged glances.
Valex called Kael aside and whispered instructions. Malrik and the elders looked at each other, smiling faintly.
Kael made his way to the servant quarters, where he whispered something to the middle-aged woman and the young girls. Their eyes widened in shock. Then the woman walked toward the stables, where Odesse was with Eryx.
"Follow me, Odesse," she instructed.
Odesse hesitated. "Um... okay." She followed her to a room, and the door closed behind them.
Moments later, in the palace parlours, Malrik said, "We do not want to take her by force. Since you haven't mated, you have no right over her."
Valex smirked. "My wife, come, come."
Malrik and the elders turned, their expressions shifting in surprise. Odesse entered, clad in a beautifully adorned gown, looking both elegant and majestic. Valex's eyes followed her, she looked stunning.
Nervously, Odesse made her way to Valex's side. "My king, you summoned me?" she asked softly.
"They asked to see you," Valex said, his voice steady.
Malrik stared at Odesse. "Are you that girl?"
"No, I'm not that girl," she said firmly. "I am Odesse... no, Queen Odesse."
Valex raised an eyebrow, surprised, and smirked.
Malrik's expression darkened. "You're still alive..."
The elders whispered among themselves.
Odesse laughed maniacally. "You have no respect for privacy, King Malrik. Saying all of this, I am highly disgusted."
Malrik stood abruptly. "Hey, girl! Remember, you're human, and this is an abomination. You have no right to speak to me that way. Know your place, I could kill you this instant."
Valex's eyes snapped open, and he stood, voice icy. "Don't you dare speak to my wife that way. If you ever do, I will sever your head."
An elder interjected. "Enough, Master Malrik. You don't want this."
Odesse stood, holding Valex's hands. "You are the abomination, I tell you."
Valex looked down at her, feeling a surge of emotions he couldn't name.
An elder muttered, "This relationship is unforgiven and not supported."
Malrik's face darkened. "I will come back, and when I do, it will not be mere words."
They left the palace in their carriage.
Kael whispered to Valex, "Sire, this is getting serious."
Odesse, still holding onto Valex, hesitated to release him. Valex tightened his hold on her waist. "We'll handle this in private later, okay," he murmured.
Kael nodded and followed the other two men out.
Alone in the palace parlour, Valex's hands remained on Odesse's waist. He looked at her with a teasing smirk. "Wow, Queen Odesse."
Odesse chuckled nervously. "I'm sorry... I got ahead of myself. Please don't be mad. I was told to pretend to be your wife in front of King Malrik, so I..."
Valex turned her to face him. "You talk too much, you know."
Odesse pouted and looked down.
Valex smirked. "Do you know that whenever you look down and your face turns red, it does... things to me?"
Odesse looked up, confused. "I thought you said mating with a human was pathetic?"
Valex laughed softly. "We haven't mated yet, but you are mine, Odesse."
Odesse felt something stir within her. "I'm no one's," she whispered.
Valex released her gently, smirking as he walked away, leaving Odesse alone with her racing thoughts.